Nigerian Doctors Go on Strike, Leaving Patients Stranded

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors in public hospitals have started a "total and indefinite strike" over what they described as the failure of the government to address their grievances.

The strike has affected hospital services in Lagos and Abuja. Patients at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) were turned away without receiving treatment. The emergency ward at LASUTH is not attending to emergency cases.

NARD President, Dr Emeka Orji, said that the doctors are demanding the implementation of the one-for-one replacement policy for healthcare workers; the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to discontinue the downgrading of the membership certificate issued by the West African Postgraduate Medical and Surgical Colleges; the immediate payment of all salary arrears; the implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure; a new hazard allowance; and the domestication of the Medical Residency Training Act; among others.

Among their demands, they are asking for the immediate payment of all salaries and a new hazard allowance.

The Nigeria Medical Association says at least 50 doctors leave Nigeria every week to work abroad, citing poor working conditions and low pay. The government has not yet responded to the doctors' demands.